In the 108th Congress, I was an original cosponsor of legislation to establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide for the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income families. Unfortunately, this bill has not been allowed to be discussed in Congress, even after efforts to force its consideration with a discharge petition, which I signed.  A discharge petition requires 218 signatures to force a vote on the House floor.  Unfortunately, only 178 Members signed this particular discharge petition.  However, I am hopeful this bill will become a priority when my colleagues and I return to Washington, D.C. so this nation’s low-income families will be granted some sort of relief when it comes to affordable housing.

I also understand the importance of Section 8 Vouchers to low-income communities, and voted for an amendment opposing changes to the current system that would cut funding for vouchers by more than $1 billion and would radically change the program’s structure.  If the Administration had its way, the current voucher program would be replaced with a block grant to local housing agencies, repealing basic protections for low-income families and leaving the program vulnerable to further funding cuts.  I personally believe the current system is the best way to provide for families and will continue to do everything in my power to prevent further negative attacks on Section 8 Vouchers.

I am also a proud cosponsor of the American Dream Down Payment Act, a bill that was enacted into law and provided $75 million in down payment assistance and home rehabilitation for low-income families under the HOME Investment Partnerships Act.  Unfortunately, the VA-HUD Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2005 cut HOME block grants by $82 million in order to fund the $85 million in down payment grants for next year, an action I disagree with and hope will be reconciled in the future.  We should not fund one housing program by taking away from another, and I am prepared to fight for funding for this and other programs related to affordable housing assistance. 

We have come a long way in providing housing for those who otherwise would be without, but we still have a long way to go.  As your United States Representative, I look forward to continuing my support for affordable housing assistance, and hope that one day everyone will have the opportunity to own their own homes.

Esterline Armtec Defense, Inc., based in Coachella, California, is the industry leader in advanced countermeasure flares and plays a critical role in protecting our soldiers.   

“I couldn’t be more pleased to announce these important funds for East Camden,” said Ross.  “Esterline Armtec provides critical flare products to our men and women in uniform and has the best flare safety record in the industry.  These funds will secure the operation of this plant for 5 years and will lead to more new jobs for the community. This is a great success for the region’s economy.” 

 “These funds are integral to our nation’s continued military capabilities,” said Lincoln. “At a time when America faces such daunting new challenges, I am proud to know that our nation looks to Arkansas’ manufacturers and workers to lead the way in the development of new technology.” 

“I am pleased Esterline Armtec will play a leading role in providing protection for our troops,” said Pryor.  “Armtec has a top-notch facility, a great group of dedicated workers, and is an asset to the community of East Camden and our state, which is why I urged the Defense Department to give their application the full consideration it deserved.”

In January, Rep. Ross invited EDA’s Regional Administrator to tour the project site and view a presentation on the city’s proposal. 

“I was very pleased to learn Pine Bluff would be awarded these funds,” said Ross.  “After touring the site with an EDA official, I was hopeful the city would receive the funds they deserve for this well structured proposal.  This project is the first step toward the revitalization of downtown Pine Bluff, and I look forward to working with the city during this continued beautification and economic development project.  This is another example of how I’m keeping my promises to the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District by being an economic ambassador for Arkansas.”